Local

With a 30-year legacy of uplifting the next generation of diverse real estate executives, the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate’s Ross Program announces 18 new graduates for their 2023 winter session. Since its launch in 1993, the program has graduated over 1,000 students and remains a pivotal academic asset to equip professionals with critical real estate development and finance skills.

“Through rigorous curriculum and real-world case studies, the Ross Program prepares real estate professionals with the next steps they need to advance their career or upskill their talents in real estate finance and development,” said Richard K. Green, director of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate, who oversees the Ross Program. “Program graduates leave with a very practical skill set.”

After the Rodney King verdict and the civil unrest that followed in 1992, USC and the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (CRA) recognized the unprecedented and immediate need for experienced real estate professionals to aid in the rebuilding parts of South Los Angeles. At the time, CRA found a lack of minority developers and joined with community leaders and USC to create a program to help foster diverse talent in real estate development. The name Ross honors the late Stan Ross, a well-known icon in the accounting and real estate industry responsible for funding the program’s endowment and an outspoken role model in the industry for students and professionals alike.

The following graduates for the 2023 winter session received the crucial skills to navigate affordable housing, office, retail and mixed-use spaces. Graduates include:

Violeta Aguilar-Wyrick, founder and principal of Xara Public Affairs

Emmanuel Choice, senior asset manager of Decro Corporation

Matej Dlabal, architectural designer for ZGF

Greg Elliott, president of Anderson Howard

Hugo Escalante, real estate broker and broker associate for RE/MAX Top Producers

Alexander Fung, senior management analyst for the City of Eastvale

Armida Garcia, real property coordinator of the Los Angeles County Development Authority

Landy Joseph, project manager for West Hollywood Community Housing Corporation

Kevin Lee, library district director of the Banning Library District

Maricela Marquez, community development analyst for the City of Santa Ana

Pauline Martinez, administrative assistant to Dr.  Manuel Castells, University Professor for the University of Southern California

Luis Melo, California realtor for Solid Work Properties LLC.

Meredith Sharkey, management analyst for the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments / San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust

Rubani Shaw, production designer for IDEO

Terrence Smalls, CA Realtor and founder of Reche Capital

Christina Sutton (PMP, PMI-ACP), founder of  O’thentik Designs

Omar Taylor, president of Nobis Management

Gina Gibson-Williams, community development and public works director for the City of Eastvale

The Ross Program continues to arm professionals with advanced real estate fundamentals and enables members of underrepresented groups and those that invest resources in emerging communities to further their careers. In the program’s 2023 winter session, 38% of graduates were black, nearly half were women and about 33% were Hispanic.

For more information or to apply for the 2023 summer session, please visit https://lusk.usc.edu/ross.

About the USC Lusk Center: The University of Southern California Lusk Center for Real Estate seeks to advance real estate knowledge, inform business practice, and address timely issues that affect the real estate industry, the urban economy, and public policy. The Lusk Center produces relevant and timely real estate research, supports educational programs for students and executives, and convenes professional forums that bring together academics, students, business executives, and community leaders. For more information, please visit www.usc.edu/lusk.

FONTANA, CA— Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gómez Reyes marked the start of the 2023-24 legislative cycle at her Community Swearing-in Ceremony on Saturday, February 11 at the Steelworkers’ Auditorium in Fontana. California Attorney General Rob Bonta administered the oath of office and former State Senator Connie Leyva, now with KVCR, acted as the Master of Ceremonies. The 2023-24 session will be Majority Leader Reyes’ fourth term representing portions of the Inland Empire in the State Assembly, but this will be her first term representing the new 50th Assembly District. All legislative lines were redrawn last year using the most recent U.S. Census data.

“Thank you to my district for trusting me to serve you for another term,” said Majority Leader Reyes. “I will continue to align my work with the Inland Empire’s values. You are my neighbors and I look forward to hearing more from you and taking your words to Sacramento to fight for the resources our region deserves.”

Other event speakers included California Legislative Latino Caucus Chair Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (Corona), San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran, Loma Linda City Councilmember Bhavin Jindal, Chaffey College Superintendent Dr. Henry Shannon, Colton Joint Unified School District Board Member Bertha Flores, and UFCW Local 1167 Operating Director and Inland Empire Labor Council President Yesenia Gonzales.

In prior terms, Majority Leader Reyes has championed legislation to increase equity and inclusion in vulnerable communities throughout the state. She will continue to do so during the 2023-24 legislative session.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— In honor of Black History Month, the South Colton Diversity Committee is honoring individuals for their community works on Saturday, February 18. Among those honorees is LUE Productions and Westside Story News contributor, LuCretia Dowdy. She will be honored at the Black History Awards Ceremony alongside the President for the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce-Inland Cities East Chapter and Colton Sherriff, Art Satterwhite III. The ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. at the Crossing located at 165 E. O Street in Colton. There is no charge to attend, and food and drinks will be provided.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- On Saturday, February 25, the 55th Annua; San Bernardino County Black History Parade will be held starting at 10 a.m. The parade will begin on Citrus and Summit Avenue and will proceed to the Home Depot parking lot on Sierra Lakes parkway in Fontana where an expo will be held immediately following the parade.

This year’s Grand Marshal is the founder of the R&B group “Lakeside”, Captain Mark Woods Jr.  and his lovely wife, Soul Train dancer, Sharon Hill Woods.

Soul Train was an American music variety television show and the first to prominently feature African American musical acts and dancers. It was on air nationally from 1971 to 2006 and was one of the longest-running syndicated programs in American television history. The R&B group “Lakeside” performed their hit song “Fantastic Voyage” by lead singer Captain Mark a Woods Jr.  Woods.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) is pleased to announce the winners of the 40th annual San Bernardino County Academic Decathlon Competition. The awards ceremony honoring 18 high school teams, took place on February 9.

“These incredibly talented and hard-working students committed hundreds of hours preparing for this year’s academic decathlon,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “It is an honor to not only recognize them for all their hard work, but also recognize their support systems and coaches for helping them excel in the competition.”

The three teams with the highest overall scores this year are:

• 1st place: Chaffey High School
• 2nd place: Redlands High School
• 3rd place: Rancho Cucamonga High School

The back-to-back champion team, Chaffey High School of Chaffey Joint Union High School District, will send its top nine scoring decathletes and coach to represent San Bernardino County at the California Academic Decathlon State Competition in Santa Clara from March 25-26. At large teams may also represent the county at the state competition.

In addition to coming in first place, Chaffey High School also won awards for the following team events:

• Art
• Economics
• Literature
• Music
• Science
• Social Science
• Speech
• Super Quiz

The award for the highest-scoring student from the Chaffey High School team went to junior classman, Dylan Ventura. Ventura earned 8,088 points out of a possible 10,000.

This year, nearly 300 students from 18 high schools throughout San Bernardino County participated in the competition.

For the first time in nearly 40 years, the San Bernardino County Academic Decathlon Competition was held as a hybrid event with portions of the competition being held virtually, while others were held in person.

This comes after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the competition to transition into a completely virtual format in 2021 and 2022.

The theme for this year’s competition was “The American Revolution and the New Nation.”

Each year, the theme is generated by the United States Academic Decathlon and is provided to SBCSS by the California Academic Decathlon.

The event competition took place over three days in December, January and February consisting of categories in essay writing, both prepared and impromptu speeches, panel interviews, objective testing and culminated with the highly anticipated Super Quiz.

For more news and information, visit the SBCSS Newsroom and follow @SBCountySchools on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. #transforminglives.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— In a nationwide study, the City of San Bernardino Parks,
Recreation, and Community Services Department was ranked #14 in the nation for its engagement with residents on social media. The study, conducted by Next Practice Partners, a national consulting firm, examined the social media presence of parks departments from the 100 largest cities in the United States.

It is important for our residents to know about the wonderful programs and activities at our parks, senior centers, and community centers, “said San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran. “To be ranked so highly for connecting with our residents is something to be proud of.”

The rankings are based on data obtained from the U.S. Census, National Recreation and Park Association, ETC Institute, agency websites and social media accounts, and social analytics tools. Collectively, it ranked the engagement for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to create an aggregated ranking model for Social Media Engagement.

These agencies and their staff transform lives in their communities and more people need to know that,” said Neelay Bhatt, Founder & CEO of Next Practice Partners.

“Cleveland topped the rankings, followed by Kansas City and Cincinnati. Detroit, Boise, Spokane, Minneapolis, Greensboro, and Gilbert rounded out the top ten.

“This ranking justifies the commitment our department has made to a strong marketing program,”” said Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Director Lydie Gutfeld. “We couldn’t be more enthusiastic about the results.”

Among the data points in which San Bernardino scored the highest was the frequency in which followers responded to agency posts. The City ranked number three in the nation for its interactions on both Facebook and Instagram.

“We thrive when we read about the impact we are having from our residents’ social media comments,” added Gutfeld. “Our followers are the inspiration for so many of the programs and services we provide.”

With a large Spanish speaking population, all the San Bernardino Parks Department social media posts are written in both English and Spanish. The Department has also increased the use of video posts this past year.

“We have just begun to scratch the surface of telling our story through our social media platforms, continued Gutfeld. ” The more we can engage our communities, the stronger our services and programs become.”

To follow the City of San Bernardino Parks and Recreation Department on Facebook, go to: https://www.facebook.com/SBCityParksAndRec/

To follow the City of San Bernardino Parks and Recreation Department on Instagram, go to: https://www.instagram.com/sbcityparksandrec/?hl=en

To follow the City of San Bernardino on Facebook, go to: https://www.facebook.com/sbcitygov

To read the full report, go to: https://www.benextpractice.com/pdf/npp-2022-social-media-engagement-rankings.pdf

PHILIPPINE SEA—U.S. Navy Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Jose Flores, from Adelanto, Calif., tightens screws in an aerial refueling store pod in the hangar bay aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is in 7th Fleet conducting routine operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

YUCAIPA, CA— A victorious Crafton Hills College (CHC) Paramedic Class #98 was celebrated at an enthusiastic graduation ceremony on Friday, January 20.

CHC’s Dean of Career Education and Human Development Dan Word served as master of ceremonies. Word led the charge in ensuring the evening ceremony was not going to be a quiet one as he encouraged shout-outs from friends and family who helped paramedic graduates along the way.

“I was really pleased by your response to the welcome [of our graduates], and so that’s how we are going to do [it] this evening,” Word said. “The evening is just about that – a celebration of the accomplishment that these students have achieved to this point. So, at any point, simply shout it out.”

“Estrada!” shouted one audience member. “Ocampo!” yelled others. Excitement and pride filled the more than hour-long ceremony, culminating in the moments when each student received their pin. A video set to the song “Hero” flashed highlights of the program and individual students’ work in and outside the classroom.

CHC’s paramedic program is divided into three parts: didactic, clinical and field. Students spend hundreds of hours completing each one. Add hundreds more hours of studying, and the graduates will tell you it’s a challenging program to complete. But with the class motto, “Victory’s always with me,” Class #98 was able to finish, and soon 19 graduates will become full-time paramedics or embark on the next chapter in their respective careers.

To help motivate students, the class invited CHC alum Daniel Donahue to deliver some words of wisdom. Donahue’s address was funny and charming and offered the grads important lessons for the field.

“The exceptionalism you exhibit in the field of paramedicine will serve you, your patients, and the relationships with the people around you. Be unexceptionally kind,” he said. “Many times, you’ll see patients in their lowest moments, and for some, those lowest moments are their lifestyle. But [for others], those lowest moments are also their last, and at those moments, a drop of kindness always feels like an ocean.

“Class of ‘98, may God richly bless you in this field,” Donahue continued. “Be exceptional. And congratulations.”

Graduating classmate Nikolas Esquer then told his classmates that he has full faith in their skills and the impact they will have on the communities they serve. A class plaque was presented and will hang in the halls of the public safety allied health building. Scholarships highlighting exceptional achievements were awarded during the ceremony.

Recipients and awards were as follows:

• Clinical Award: Amanda McKinley
• Skills Award: John Laudan

• Field Award: Jacob Arnett
• Assessment Award: Chase Bernardy
• Pharmacology Award: James Jarboe
• Director’s Award: Kevin McKiddy
• Cardiology Award: Matthew Rae
• Theory Award: Richard Quijada

Dr. Phong Nguyen, CHC’s medical director and president of the CHC Foundation, gave special awards to Marcus Davis and Anthony Estrada. CHC President Dr. Kevin Horan announced that each graduating student received a $150 grant to assist with licensing fees thanks to the Foundation and Nicolas Campos, a longtime supporter of the program and the paramedic field.

To learn more about the program, visit www.craftonhills.edu/paramedic.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Last September, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 257 into law. Supporters of the legislation, authored by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), hailed it for its promise to provide a minimum wage and improve working conditions for fast food workers.

But late last month, the future of AB 257 — also known as “the Fast Act” or “the Fast-Food Recovery Act” — came into question. California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber’s office announced that a referendum seeking to overturn the law had gathered enough signatures to be placed on the November ballot.

“To qualify for the ballot,” the Secretary of State’s office wrote, “the referendum needed 623,212 valid petition signatures, which is equal to five percent of the total votes cast for governor in the November 2018 General Election.

When AB 257 passed last year along party lines, it authorized the establishment of the Fast-Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act or FAST Recovery Act. The bill established the Fast-Food Council within the Department of Industrial Relations, to be composed of 10 members to be appointed by the Governor, the Speaker of the Assembly, and the Senate Rules Committee.

According to the bill’s language, the purpose of the council is to establish “sector-wide minimum standards on wages (up to $22/hour in 2023 with capped annual increases), working hours, and other working conditions related to the health, safety, and welfare of, and supplying the necessary cost of proper living to, fast food restaurant workers, as well as effecting interagency coordination and prompt agency responses in this regard.” The act prohibits retaliation against fast-food workers for making certain workplace complaints.

Opponents of AB 257, led by a coalition called Save Local Restaurants, gathered more than 1 million signatures on a referendum petition. 712,000 of them were deemed to be valid by Weber’s office putting the referendum on the Nov. 5, 2024, ballot.

The Los Angeles Times published an article telling the stories of 14 voters who say they were misled by canvassers collecting signatures for the referendum. Many of them said that information was withheld from them about the nature of the campaign and were simply told it would support fast food workers.

But the laws’ opponents insist that their challenge to AB 257 is widely supported.

“California voters have made clear that they want a say on whether they must shoulder the burden of higher prices and job losses caused by the FAST Act,” said Save Local Restaurants in their press release. “This legislation singles out the quick service restaurant industry by establishing an unelected council to control labor policy, which would cause a sharp increase in food costs and push many Californians, particularly in disenfranchised communities, to the breaking point.”

The referendum means that the law is suspended until the November 2024 election when voters will decide whether to repeal it.

Holden, who is a former franchise owner said he believes AB 257 would protect both owners and employees – if those opposing the law allow it to work.

“Given, the final version of the bill removed many expressed concerns of subpoena power and joint-liability. While, strengthening the over-site role of the legislature, providing for equal Sector Council representation and adding a sunset clause to evaluate effectiveness. As a result, this first in the nation worker protection bill is worthy to become law in California,” Holden said when Newsom signed the law last year.

Labor advocates believe the legislation could create a precedent in the U.S for negotiating workplace standards, which would, in turn, revolutionize the collective bargaining process.

However, the coalition of businesses opposing the law feel it would leave businesses with higher labor costs and hiked-up food prices.

According to the nonpartisan Fair Political Practices Commission, fast-food corporations and business trade groups including In-N-Out, Chipotle, Chick-Fil-A, McDonald’s, Starbucks and the National Restaurant Association donated millions to support the referendum effort.

“The FAST Act is bad policy that threatens not only quick service restaurants, but the independents operating in the same neighborhoods,” National Restaurant Association Executive Vice President for Public Affairs Sean Kennedy said in a press release.

“There is no way that the regulations passed by this unelected council would not damage the state’s restaurant industry, harm its workforce, and leave diners paying the bill. We’re pleased that Californians will get the chance to exercise their constitutional right to vote on this law and will continue to support the operators, small business owners, and workers that make the restaurant industry so important to our customers’ lives.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Congressman Pete Aguilar was joined by San Bernardino city
leaders and community members on January 23 to announce $1.4 million in funding from the recently approved Federal budget to renovate the historic Roosevelt Bowl at Perris Hill Park.

“It is my privilege to announce that I secured $1,400,000 in Community Project Funds to restore this historic venue,” said Rep. Aguilar, who represents much of the City of San Bernardino. “I will always prioritize our community and our economic growth, and I’m looking forward to working closely with our local government officials to secure more funding for San Bernardino.”

In 2022, the San Bernardino Mayor and Council committed $600,000 to begin the renovation of the Bowl. The $1.4 million in Federal funds will enable the City to complete the restoration.

“For 90 years, the Roosevelt Bowl has been a treasured venue that has brought musical performances, plays, and cultural events to the residents of San Bernardino,” said Mayor Helen Tran. “Thanks to the work of Congressman Aguilar, we will be able to restore, renovate, and upgrade the historic Bowl for generations to enjoy.”

“The 1,800-seat Bowl was built and dedicated in 1934 as part of the depression era Federal Work Progress Administration (W.P.A.). For many years, the outdoor amphitheater was a featured gathering place in San Bernardino for musical, artistic, and cultural performances, civic events, and graduations.

“San Bernardino residents have been patiently waiting for us to bring back the activities the Roosevelt Bowl used to host,” said 2 Ward Council Member Sandra Ibarra. “Thank you, Congressman Aguilar. On behalf of everyone who misses the Roosevelt Bowl, you are helping to bring it back.”

Improvements will include the renovation of the main building, concession stand, and bathrooms; upgrading the facility to be compliant with the American with Disabilities Act;” “concrete and electrical work; restoration of the access trail; upgrades to lighting and sound systems; the installation of fencing; and restoration of landscaping and irrigation.

While the renovations are expected to take approximately one year to complete, San Bernardino plans on bringing back a summer concert series at the Bowl in June.”

“An aerial photo of the historic Franklin D. Roosevelt Bowl at Perris Hill Park.”